Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Mets to Retire Jerry Koosman’s number

FLUSHING, N.Y., September 24, 2019 – The New York Mets today announced that the club will retire Jerry Koosman’s uniform #36 in 2020.

Koosman, who is the winningest left-hander in team history (140 wins), will become the third player to have his number retired by the Mets, joining Tom Seaver (#41) and Mike Piazza (#31).

“The excitement of playing for the Mets when we won the 1969 World Series was an experience I never thought I’d be able to repeat,” said Koosman, who won two games during the ’69 World Series vs. Baltimore, including the deciding Game 5. “But the news that the Mets Hall of Fame Committee has voted to retire my number is another life-changing thrill and honor.”

Koosman ranks second in team history in starts (346), complete games (108), innings (2,544.2) and shutouts (26), third in strikeouts (1,799) and sixth in ERA (3.09).

“Jerry is one of the most iconic Mets of all-time and this forever honor is a tremendous representation of what he meant to the organization,” Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said.

Today’s announcement comes on the 50th Anniversary of the Mets clinching the 1969 NL East title with a 6-0 win over St. Louis at Shea Stadium.

“I’m enormously proud of the time I played in the orange and blue uniform of the Mets,” Koosman said. “It was privilege to play alongside some of the most wonderful and talented teammates for more than 11 years and to hone my craft under Gil Hodges.

“This honor isn’t only for me and my family, it’s for the legions of fans I grew to love,” Koosman continued. “To know that my number will be retired and sit alongside other team legends is one of the greatest tributes I could ever be granted. I was always proud to be a Met. Today, I am even prouder.”

Koosman signed with the Mets in 1964 when he was scouted when he was pitching with the Army. He played for the Mets from 1967-1978.

The date of the retirement ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks. In addition, the Mets have retired #14 for Manager Gil Hodges, #37 for Manager Casey Stengel and #42 across baseball for Jackie Robinson.